The Alpha’s Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136 

‘Nina, you and the rest of your pack members can return with us to Moon Crest Castle and stay the night. We will have a ship ready to take you to Emerald Island tomorrow, Maia says.

‘Thank you, I say.

Magnus and I hug Flint, Josie, Ryker, Astrid and my parents goodbye while Yiselda creates a star in a circle on the ground and places stones on each peak.

‘When we reach Emerald Island, I will create another one there so that way, Maia, you can come to Wolfwell straight away without travelling across the sea by ship, Yiselda says.

‘Thanks, Yiselda! | say, hugging her. —

Reaper and Alec are conversing under a tree while I finish my goodbyes to everyone else.

Magnus shifts, and instead of climbing onto his back, I shift as well. Maia, Damon, Sir Hugo and the rest of her people admire my black wolf with the white star on my forehead. Maia can’t help herself and gives me a cuddle and a pat.

We follow Sir Hugo on his horse and Maia, who rides upon Damon’s back for a few hours until we reach Moon Crest Castle.

The castle was built on high ground with clear views of the surrounding land. There are six?towers with battlements that connect with long thick stone walls. Ornate windows are scattered around the walls in symmetrical patterns. The portcullis opens, allowing us to enter inside the castle walls. There is a large fish pond with a fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Through an open stone doorway on the right are lush orchards and vineyards and a garden that supplies vegetables and herbs. Through the large open arched stone doorway, on the left is a well-kept garden with fragrant flowers and gorgeous trees. Many people walk through the courtyards carrying baskets of freshly baked bread, fruit, vegetables and herbs. Children laugh and run across the cobblestone paths trying to catch each other. It’s like a little village inside the castle walls with workshops, gardens, and stables.

Next, we approach the grand stairs that lead into the castle itself.

We follow Maia and Damon and enter inside. We enter?a magnificent hall with a large open space for people to dance in the centre and two mahogany tables for dining and socialising. The two tables are so long you could probably sit a hundred people at each. There is another table that faces the two long ones. It’s shorter and would only seat roughly twelve people. There are two thrones chairs at the smaller table where Damon and Maia would sit. On the opposite side of the hall is a massive fireplace. Five chandeliers with candles hang above the tables. The walls are decorated with purple and black banners and beautiful paintings in thick gold frames.

We walk up a plethora of stairs and are shown the chambers we will be residing in for the night. The room Damon and I are

given is very cozy. There are two armchairs facing the small fireplace and a large soft bed. Maia looks at Alec and frowns at me, confused.

‘Don’t worry yourself with chambers for me. I don’t sleep, Alec says as if reading her mind.

‘Oh! Okay then. I wondered how you three would work that part out, but if you never sleep, that makes things much easier, Maia giggles and blushes. ‘I look forward to you all joining us for dinner in the grand hall, she smiles before exiting the room. Reaper flies from Alec’s shoulder, rests on the stone window sill and stretches his wings.

‘We will see you then, I nod.

Maia leaves the room, and Alec sits in the armchair by the fireplace. I walk over to the window where Reaper is and look out at the beautiful view. But, as stunning as it is, I can’t help but feel depressed thinking that Shadow Crest is gone. The place that has always been my home. I let out a heavy sigh.

‘What’s wrong, Nina?’ Alec and Magnus say at the same time. I turn and force a smile at them.

‘It’s nothing either of you needs to worry about, I say.

‘Nina, we are your mates. We know you’re not okay. Magnus says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

Alec also now stands in front of me with a flash of speed.

‘Magnus is right. I know we know that you have gone through a lot recently. You were kidnapped and held captive by the wolf council, and you witnessed your home, Shadow Crest, turn into a war field of death and destruction. We have left all we have known and come into the world of Mysteria for a new life and new beginning. Everything here is all new to us, to you. I’m sure you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, worry and uncertainty. But, it’s okay to talk to us about it, about everything and anything, Alec says.

Magnus folds his arms and nods in agreeance with Alec’s words.

My heart warms at how much Magnus and Alec both truly care for me.

‘You’re right. A lot has happened, and I’m saddened that we will never see Shadow Crest again. I’m heartbroken we lost many loved ones. I’m worried about what will happen now. I’m worried about what our future holds for us, I say, wiping a

rogue tear from my cheek.

Magnus pulls me into his chest and strokes his fingers through my hair to comfort me as I cry. I can feel the warm sparks from Alec’s hand rubbing my back.